Establishing trucking liability presents a challenge due to the fact that not only are trucking industry regulations vast in number, but also the shared liability in trucking accidents may belong to a number of parties.

Parties potentially liable in a truck accident may include:

Truck driver

Truck owner

Equipment owner

Leasing company for truck/equipment

Truck loading company

Truck vehicle manufacturers

Truck parts manufacturers

Truck driving agencies

Local, state and federal road authorities

While truck drivers have the responsibility to drive safely, truck and equipment owners or leasing companies also have the responsibility to make sure that the vehicle and equipment are regularly inspected and properly maintained. Trucks must be carefully loaded; ensuring cargo is balanced and not overweight. Agencies that demand unrealistic delivery schedules may be liable for influencing drivers to speed or violate the allowable number of daily hours for driving. Long driving schedules often cause driver fatigue or result in drug use to stay awake. Governments must maintain safe highways so that tractor trailers and other big rigs are not needlessly subjected to hazardous road conditions.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

According to the Large Truck Crash Causation Study, conducted under the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), the following facts were reported:

Both trucks and passenger vehicles experienced recognition and decision errors resulting in accidents.

Truck driver errors were less prevalent than passenger vehicle errors.

Both truck drivers and passenger vehicle drivers were cited as driving too fast for road conditions.

Both truck drivers and passenger vehicle drivers drove while fatigued.

Truck drivers speeded more frequently than passenger vehicle drivers.

Passenger vehicle drivers suffered more often from fatigue than truck drivers.

30% of trucks experienced brake problems

5% of passenger vehicles experienced brake problems

Lawyers at The Law Offices of Creedon & Feliciani have extensive knowledge regarding the laws and regulations affecting the trucking industry and years of experience representing plaintiffs and defendants in trucking liability cases. Our firm also has the necessary financial resources and network of professionals available to conduct the extensive investigation, analysis and thorough case preparation required to achieve favorable outcomes in these types of cases.

Arrange a Consultation

Please call our law firm at (610) 239-9630 to arrange a free initial consultation with a personal injury lawyer. We will discuss the prospects of a case based on injuries involving trucking liability. Plaintiff injury cases are taken on a contingency fee basis, meaning if there is no recovery, there is no fee. Client defense in trucking liability cases is subject to a fee schedule offered at competitive rates.